Ledger.com/Start® | Powering Up Your Device | Official Site® Guide
Introduction
Welcome to Ledger.com/Start®, the official onboarding platform for setting up your Ledger hardware wallet. Whether you’ve just purchased the Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X, or the advanced Ledger Stax, this step-by-step guide ensures you get started safely and confidently.
Setting up your Ledger device correctly is crucial—it’s the foundation of secure cryptocurrency management. This guide walks you through powering up, initializing, and pairing your device with Ledger Live, ensuring you're ready to send, receive, and manage crypto securely.
Why Ledger.com/Start®?
The official website Ledger.com/Start® is designed to:
- Prevent users from falling for phishing scams or fake wallets
- Ensure setup is done securely and correctly
- Offer step-by-step instructions for both beginners and advanced users
- Serve as the launchpad to download Ledger Live, Ledger’s trusted software
By using only the official Ledger site, users reduce the risk of downloading malware or using tampered apps. Always verify URLs, especially when managing cryptocurrencies.
Step-by-Step: Powering Up Your Ledger Device
1. Unbox and Inspect
When your Ledger wallet arrives:
- Make sure the packaging is sealed and untampered.
- Ledger devices do not come with a pre-printed recovery phrase.
- The box should include: the device, a USB cable, recovery sheets, instructions, and keychain accessories.
If anything appears off, contact Ledger support immediately.
2. Visit Ledger.com/Start
Go to https://www.ledger.com/start from your desktop or mobile browser. This page will:
- Help you verify device authenticity
- Offer the latest downloads of Ledger Live for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, or iOS
- Provide device-specific setup instructions
Make sure to never search for Ledger Live on third-party app stores or websites, as counterfeit versions exist.
3. Download Ledger Live
Once on Ledger.com/Start:
- Click on “Download Ledger Live”
- Install the application on your device
- Launch it and choose "Get Started"
Ledger Live acts as the interface between you and your Ledger hardware wallet. It allows for secure management of your cryptocurrencies, apps, and settings.
4. Power On and Connect Your Ledger Device
For Ledger Nano S Plus / Nano X:
- Connect the device to your computer or mobile via USB (Nano X also supports Bluetooth).
- Press both buttons to power on.
For Ledger Stax:
- Use the side button to turn it on
- Navigate using the touchscreen interface
The device will display “Welcome to Ledger” and guide you to create a new wallet or restore from a recovery phrase.
5. Initialize Your Device
You’ll now be prompted to:
- Set a PIN code: Choose a secure PIN with 4 to 8 digits. This will be required each time you use your device.
- Generate a recovery phrase: The device will generate a 24-word recovery phrase. This phrase is the only backup of your wallet.
Important:
- Write the 24 words down on the recovery sheet provided.
- Never store the phrase digitally or take photos of it.
- Do not share it with anyone—Ledger will never ask for it.
Your recovery phrase allows you to restore your crypto if the device is lost, stolen, or damaged.
6. Confirm the Recovery Phrase
To ensure accuracy, the device will ask you to verify the recovery phrase by selecting certain words in the correct order. This step ensures you’ve written everything down correctly and confirms ownership.
Once confirmed, the device is initialized and ready.
Pair Your Device With Ledger Live
Back in the Ledger Live app:
- Choose your device model
- Select “Set up a new device” or “Restore from recovery phrase”
- Follow the prompts to connect the device
- Allow Ledger Live to verify the device’s authenticity
Next, you can install apps for specific cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, or hundreds of others. Each app enables your Ledger device to manage a specific blockchain.
Next Steps After Setup
With your device powered on and paired to Ledger Live, you can now:
- Add crypto accounts: Start with Bitcoin or Ethereum and add others as needed
- Receive funds: Ledger Live will generate secure addresses
- Send funds: Transactions must be manually approved on your Ledger device
- Stake assets: Earn passive income by staking ETH, DOT, ATOM, and more
- Access DeFi and NFTs: Connect safely to apps like Uniswap, OpenSea, and Ledger Market
Your private keys always stay inside your Ledger device, even when connecting to external platforms.
Security Reminders
- Only trust Ledger.com/Start for downloads and setup
- Never share your recovery phrase with anyone
- Always verify transactions on your device screen
- Keep your device and recovery phrase in separate, secure locations
Ledger’s Secure Element hardware chip and on-device verification process make it nearly impossible for hackers to compromise your crypto.
Conclusion
Setting up your Ledger wallet through Ledger.com/Start® is the first and most crucial step toward secure crypto ownership. By combining robust hardware with the Ledger Live ecosystem, users gain full control of their assets while protecting against online threats.